BBC warned over the 'cult of youth'

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw has warned the BBC not to pander to the "cult of youth" in the wake of the removal of 66-year-old dance expert Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing.

Mr Bradshaw said it would "not be acceptable" if Ms Phillips was replaced purely on grounds of her age, though he accepted that BBC bosses may have had other reasons for their decision.

His comment came as Conservative broadcasting spokesman Ed Vaizey floated the idea of selling off Radio 1 to the commercial sector.

Although party sources stressed that this is not Conservative policy and has not been discussed as a potential policy, Mr Vaizey said there was "a good argument" for allowing private broadcasters to use the nationwide FM frequency.

Commenting on the axing of Ms Phillips in favour of 30-year-old former Strictly winner Alesha Dixon, Mr Bradshaw told the Sunday Mirror: "The cult of youth has its limits and rightly so. With more and more of the population over 60 and that trend set to continue in years to come, I think the BBC and other organisations will have to reflect that in terms of the people they have on air. It's important they reflect society as a whole."

Asked about claims the BBC wanted a younger judge to replace Ms Phillips, Mr Bradshaw says: "If that is the reason they did it, that would clearly not be acceptable. They may have other reasons.

"It's very important - particularly when we have a growing elderly population whom we want to encourage to be active - that we should be employing more people on television in their 60s and even older."

Ms Phillips' replacement after four years on Strictly Come Dancing sparked controversy when it was announced last month, with Equalities Minister Harriet Harman telling the House of Commons she suspected age discrimination and calling on the BBC to reinstate her.

Mr Bradshaw also indicated that he would like to see the BBC publish the salaries of high-earning presenters such as Jonathan Ross.

The corporation "has a duty to be as transparent and open as it possibly can" over pay and perks, he said, adding: "Perhaps some of the salaries and packages that they've offered in the past can no longer be justified."